In a curious turn of events, Delhi airport authorities apprehended a 32-year-old Canadian man who was found trying to smuggle a skull of a baby crocodile in his luggage. The incident unfolded during routine security checks on Monday, just before the man was set to board his flight to Canada.
Canadian Man Arrested at Delhi Airport for Smuggling Baby Crocodile Skull
Canadian Man Arrested at Delhi Airport for Smuggling Baby Crocodile Skull
A Canadian national was detained for attempting to transport a baby crocodile skull at Delhi Airport, violating wildlife protection laws.
Customs officials revealed that while going through the passenger’s belongings, they stumbled upon a skull with sharp teeth wrapped in a cream cloth, which weighed around 777 grams (1.71 lbs). The discovery raised alarms due to the protective measures surrounding endangered wildlife. An analysis from the Department of Forests and Wildlife later confirmed the skull belonged to a baby crocodile, a species safeguarded under India's Wildlife Protection Act.
Forest officer Rajesh Tandon disclosed that the man had reportedly purchased the skull in Thailand and did not have the appropriate permissions needed to transport wildlife artifacts. While he claimed he had not captured or harmed the crocodile, he now faces legal action as a case has been registered against him, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact species of the skull.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking in India, following a similar event last year where another Canadian national was stopped for allegedly carrying animal horns she collected during a trek. As authorities continue to combat illegal wildlife trade, such incidents serve as critical reminders of the need for awareness and strict compliance with wildlife protection laws.
Forest officer Rajesh Tandon disclosed that the man had reportedly purchased the skull in Thailand and did not have the appropriate permissions needed to transport wildlife artifacts. While he claimed he had not captured or harmed the crocodile, he now faces legal action as a case has been registered against him, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact species of the skull.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking in India, following a similar event last year where another Canadian national was stopped for allegedly carrying animal horns she collected during a trek. As authorities continue to combat illegal wildlife trade, such incidents serve as critical reminders of the need for awareness and strict compliance with wildlife protection laws.
